Signal on Ubuntu 24.04: Install Guide & Tips

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  • Post Updated: February 25, 2025

Signal messaging on Ubuntu

Need a secure messaging app on Ubuntu 24.04? Signal offers fast, private chats with end-to-end encryption, perfect for personal or team use, no SMS fees required.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to install Signal on Ubuntu 24.04 using APT, Snap, or Flatpak, plus tips to get started.

Whether you’re keeping secrets safe or just chatting with friends, Signal’s got you covered.

Let’s set it up.

How to Install Signal on Ubuntu 24.04

Choose your method to install Signal Desktop, all optimized for Ubuntu 24.04:

Method 1: Install via APT (Official & Native)

  1. Open your terminal.
  2. Add Signal’s repository key:
    wget -O- https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt/keys.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpg > /dev/null
  3. Add the Signal repository:
    echo 'deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpg] https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt xenial main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/signal-xenial.list
  4. Update and install Signal:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt install signal-desktop
  5. Launch it from your applications menu, or type:
    signal-desktop
  6. Link it to your phone’s Signal app via QR code.

Method 2: Install via Snap

  1. Open your terminal.
  2. Install Signal with Snap:
    sudo snap install signal-desktop
  3. Launch it from your applications menu, or type:
    signal-desktop
  4. Connect it to your Signal mobile app.

Method 3: Install via Flatpak

  1. Open your terminal.
  2. Set up Flatpak if needed:
    sudo apt install flatpak
  3. Add the Flathub repository:
    flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
  4. Install Signal:
    flatpak install flathub org.signal.Signal
  5. Launch it:
    flatpak run org.signal.Signal
  6. Link it to your phone’s Signal.

Tip: APT uses Signal’s official repo for the latest updates, Snap and Flatpak offer easy installs across Ubuntu versions.

What Makes Signal Special

Signal, launched in 2014 by Open Whisper Systems, is a free, open-source messaging app renowned for its privacy-first approach. With over 50 million users, it’s a secure alternative to WhatsApp:

  • Privacy: End-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
  • No Fees: Free group, text, voice, and video chats worldwide.
  • Disappearing Messages: Set timers to keep chats clean.
  • Fast & Simple: Quick setup, intuitive interface.
  • Cross-Platform: Syncs seamlessly with your phone.

System Requirements for Ubuntu

  • OS: Ubuntu 20.04 or newer (optimized for 24.04)
  • Processor: Dual-core CPU at 2.0 GHz
  • Memory: 2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
  • Storage: 200MB free space
  • Internet: Required for messaging

Signal in Action: Screenshots

How to Uninstall Signal

  1. Open your terminal.
  2. For APT installs:
    sudo apt remove signal-desktop
    sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/signal-xenial.list
  3. For Snap installs:
    sudo snap remove signal-desktop
  4. For Flatpak installs:
    flatpak uninstall org.signal.Signal
  5. Clear residual files (optional):
    rm -rf ~/.config/Signal

More Ubuntu Messaging Apps

Need Help?

Stuck installing Signal? Comment below or contact us, we’re here to assist!